PPP Reformasi not to return to PPP

JAKARTA: Founders and supporters of the United Development Party of Reform (PPP Reformasi) will not return to their original party, PPP, even though PPP has vowed to meet their demand to reschedule PPP's national congress for next year.

One of PPP Reformasi's leaders, Ghazali Abbas Adan, said on Sunday the decision to change the schedule for the congress from 2004 to 2003 had come too late.

"That was what we were calling for when we were still with the PPP. But it's too late now," he said in Jakarta.

The change of schedule was announced after PPP Chairman Hamzah Haz, who is also the Vice President, met with other leaders of the party last Tuesday at his office.

The plan for the congress is set to be discussed further during a two-day PPP working meeting starting on Tuesday.

Former PPP senior executives, led by noted Muslim preacher Zainuddin MZ, split from the party and founded PPP Reformasi after Hamzah refused to hold a national congress in 2003 to elect a new party leader, as had been scheduled. --Antara

;JP;NFK; ANPAa..r.. National-scene-President Megawati may cancel Kendari visit JP/4/SCENE

Megawati may cancel Kendari visit

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: President Megawati Soekarnoputri is expected to cancel a visit to Southeast Sulawesi on Wednesday to inaugurate several development projects in the province, a local government official said on Sunday.

Spokesman for the provincial administration Ridwan Husain said that his office had yet to receive official confirmation of the President's planned visit to Kendari, the province's capital city.

"People here are eager to see the President. It will be Megawati's first visit as President to the region," Ridwan said.

Ridwan said Megawati was initially scheduled to attend a grand harvest in Ranome'eto village, inaugurate an Islamic boarding school and open a provincial sports festival. --Antara